Liverpool vs Newcastle United Preview

The second-to-last matchday of 2018-19 saw Liverpool travel to Newcastle for a game all Reds fans were dreading. Liverpool were in an all-time epic title chase against FFP violating Manchester City. Any dropped points and the race was over.

Rafa Benitez had Newcastle playing decent football. Liverpool were in the middle of another deep Champions League run. While “mentality monsters,” they were still a tired squad.

The game went back and forth. Liverpool were tied 2-2 until the 86th minute when DIVOCK ORIGI HAPPENED. They squeaked out a narrow 3-2 victory.

Liverpool defeated Newcastle 4-0 at Anfield last season. Newcastle has a slightly better squad this go around, but a much worse manager. Steve Bruce has replaced Rafa. That’s like trading in your new BMW for a used RAV4.

Expect Jurgen Klopp to use this match as a tune up for the Reds’ first Champions League showdown the following week (away vs Napoli). They follow that with a potential challenge on Sunday the 22nd at Chelsea. Newcastle is actually the perfect opponent to implement tighter / more organized backline tactics while working out any new wrinkles for their Napoli and Chelsea matches.

Prediction

Klopp will have the lads coming out on their front foot. Expect the Reds to get up early, then rest two of the big three attacking options once the lead is secure in the second half. This would be a good match to bring on Rhian Brewster and / or Xherdan Shaqiri for some squad re-acclimation minutes.

Liverpool coasting to a 3-1 or 4-1 win sounds about right.

Where to Bet Premier League in the US

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